Wise Old Man of Isle Royale

09/12/2026

Craig Berg has been found alive and alert.

Berg, missing since September 5, was located by backpackers at Isle Royale National Park. Additional information will take time to investigate and share.

The National Park Service thanks all employees and partners who assisted with the successful search.

09/08/2026

Here is the information I received regarding how to store packs at campgrounds without cages, such as those at Three-Mile and Rock Harbor.

The pack should be in a shelter, cage, tent, or even shoved in a food storage locker if there is space. Outside the tent could be argued that the pack was left unattended. Wolfs have snagged packs under flaps multiple times this summer - so, proximity to humans isn't always a big deterrent.

Put it in their tent if there isn't a cage. If the campground has shelters, they could ask to put it in someone else's shelter.

Make sure that all food and scented items (including trash) are not in the pack, pockets, etc. If the pack is retaining the smell of these items, again try to put it in a shelter or food storage locker.

If the camper is in the backcountry, they can hang it per guidelines - 200' from their campsite.

Food Storage - Isle Royale National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

If you have additional questions, you can call the Houghton Visitor's Center or drop by to chat with the ranger on duty:

Address:
800 East Lakeshore Drive
Houghton, MI 49931

Phone:
906 482-0984

Information on how to store and transport food while camping at Isle Royale.

07/17/2026

Due to transportation delays associated with heavy smoke conditions, RANGER III is operating two out-and-back trips in order to accommodate visitors who want to leave Isle Royale due to air quality concerns.

RANGER III departed Houghton, MI this morning, and will return to Houghton this evening. Tomorrow, Saturday, July 18, RANGER III will conduct an additional out-and-back trip to Isle Royale, departing Houghton at 8 am, and returning to Houghton in the evening.

For more information about the current conditions on Isle Royale, visit: https://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/current-conditions-at-isle-royale.htm.

📸 Nelson Decker

07/09/2026

Tent and Groups Sites Closed at Three-Mile Campground

06/21/2026

We have space in our August non-backpacking, hiking excursion:

Description
This excursion features day hikes with no backpacking. Base camp will be set up at different campgrounds to facilitate exploration of areas surrounding Rock Harbor, Chippewa Harbor, and Windigo at Washington Creek.

All excursions include a hotel room the night prior to departure, all ferry passages, all gear as needed (excluding food, personal clothing, and footwear), pre-trip planning assistance, pre-departure safety briefing, gear check and weigh-in, and an experienced guide to lead the party.

All in the group will assist with carrying gear from dock to campsite (under 1/2 mile) and set up. The group will also engage in backcountry cooking with backpacking stove and food kits.

Ferry hops provide for viewing the south and north shores and outlying islands by boat, affording views inaccessible by foot.

Itinerary:

Aug 23 hotel in Copper Harbor; pre-departure gear and safety review, independent exploring of Copper Harbor area
Aug 24 take the Isle Royal Queen IV to Rock Harbor; permitting, campsite set-up and hike to Scoville Point (5 miles)
Aug 25 hop to Chippewa Harbor via the Voyageur II for two days with hikes to the ridge, Johnson schoolhouse, and Lake Mason
Aug 27 hop to Windigo via the Voyageur II for two days with options for hikes to Grace Creek Overlook, Huginnin Cove, up the Minong Ridge Trail to overlook, etc.
Aug 29 hop via the Voyageur II to Rock Harbor with hike along Tobin Harbor Trail to Susy’s Cave and back along Rock Harbor Trail
Aug 30 return to Copper Harbor via the Isle Royale Queen IV

06/02/2026

You can pre-order ham or sausage breakfast pasties or sausage, egg and cheese or thimbleberry cream cheese bagels at Wise Old Man of Isle Royale the night before departure for a specific time in the morning to have a nice hot breakfast ready and waiting for you before you check in to your boat. Just stop by, order, and select a time on the 15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 6:45 AM.

05/31/2026

We have created a photographers', non-backpacking special base camping excursion that features hikes near Rock Harbor, Chippewa Harbor, and Washington Creek/Windigo. It also features views of the south and north shores of the island as you ride the Voyageur II on your circumnavigation from campground to campground.

This excursion features day hikes with no backpacking. Base camp will be set up at different campgrounds to facilitate exploration of areas surrounding Rock Harbor, Chippewa Harbor, and Windigo at …

05/20/2026

Our take on Food Storage for Isle Royale National Park.

Wise Old Man of Isle Royale team shares their take on food storage requirements for backpacking Isle Royale.

05/18/2026

We’re officially kicking off another season of flights to Isle Royale, and adventure is calling! How many days are left until you reach the island?

05/16/2026

Putting this out there: We have availability in a Moskey Basin excursion – Sept. 13 to 18 (beginner to intermediate).

It provides for a late season leisurely backpacking trip with others interested in the slow pace of early fall on Isle Royale, with a good chance to see moose or wolves in the quiet end of the season.

Reach out for more information or to secure your spot. We are thrilled with this peaceful adventure.